Home >> Collecting >> Gun Collecting

BB Gun Shooting Tips

BB guns shoot small pellets made of either plastic, zinc or copper using a non-explosive form of propulsion. BB guns can be made of either metal, plastic or a combination of both. A BB gun fires by using one of three launching mechanisms: co2 gas canisters, electronic ignition via batteries, or a user-drawn spring. Shooting a BB gun correctly will increase accuracy and safety.

Direction
- Shooting perpendicular to the wind will cause the BB pellet to fly off-course due to the force of the wind. Shooting against the wind will cause the pellet to slow and may also push it off course. It is ideal to shoot in the same direction as the wind to prevent disturbances to the pellet and increase accuracy.
Caliber
- Metal BBs are sold in two commercial sizes: .177 caliber and .24 caliber. Each individual BB gun is designed to shoot a specific caliber. Using a BB pellet caliber that is too large will result in either decreased speed or jamming, while using a caliber that is too small will result in widely inaccurate shots or jamming. Shooting the correct caliber will result in more accurate shots while reducing the likelihood of damaging the BB gun due to jamming.
Alignment
- Calibrate the gun sights so that they are properly aligned and set up for the distance of your target. Improperly aligned gun sights will cause varying degrees of inaccuracy when shooting. An external gun sight, such as a laser pointer, can be used in the place of stock-gun sights if the stock sights are permanently fixed in place.
Lubrication
- A BB gun that is cocked via a user-drawn spring mechanism requires proper user maintenance and lubrication to shoot correctly. Lubricate the gun's spring mechanism using a silicone lubricant specially designed for airsoft and BB guns before use. Proper lubrication is also required for co2 and electronic blow-back BB guns to prevent damage due to friction.

Gun Collecting